The word “love” is one that is thrown around and misinterpreted often. We all want to share love with someone, to give and receive love, to feel loved. But, the term “love” has so many different versions and its meaning has become rather subjective…and diluted.

Understanding Love

Love is a ruling theme in our lives (well, duh, it’s what we came from and what we always return to). We search for it during all stages of development, from childhood to adolescence, to adulthood and into our golden years, and as we begin to fade out of this world into the next one. We seek out love from our parents, family, peers, employers, acquaintances, just to name a few.

We find ways to measure someone’s love – and our own – and use that to build a case for or against them. Love is used as a guise for fear, insecurities, voids and deep-seeded issues we have yet to resolve within ourselves. It’s so relevant to our existence here on Earth, as Human beings. But, we have become so far removed from the actual meaning of love. This begs the question, what is love – real and true – anyway?

And while we’re at it, how about chewing on these additional questions and/or beliefs for a bit:

Is “love” born or birthed? Or can it be created, built?

Is it about the person our focus is on or is it about ourselves and our inner world?

Is our “love” for another person, or is it a space that is safe for us?

If we desire love so damn badly, what exactly happens during the evolution of a relationship to break down or diminish what we feel is love?

Love Defined

Love is something so relevant, so powerful and encompassing, yet we all have our own interpretation of what it is. Some versions are watered down, some are based on magical fairytales we hear as a child, and some are developed by watching those around us as we were growing up. No matter what the specifics, love has become a subjective term, verb and noun.

Real love is sort of like faith. It’s so big and so divine, we just have no idea how to conceptualise it or put it into words. It’s so much bigger than us, yet it is us. That’s right, we are love. We are magnificent love and light, poured into a physical form. We – love – are much like the sun, radiating in a world free of limitations and fear.

Love is free and unlimited. It cannot be contained, it cannot be diminished or destroyed. It’s void of time and space. It recognises interconnectivity amongst all things. It’s the one breath of life that touches each and every living organism. It is the voice of the soul, the whisper of the heart, and holistic remedy for the body.

Love cannot be quieted when it has a message to share. Love is not prejudiced, and it is not blind; love sees through eyes that are as clear as the sky is blue.

Love is soft. It blossoms like the sweetest and most beautiful flower, giving its nectar away for all that pass by in need.

Love is a hand, a hug, a touch or a nudge. It’s what you need when you need it. The warm embrace that makes you feel safe and comfortable. But it is also that swift kick to your rear-end at the exact moment you are in need of one.

Love embraces, appreciates, and holds space for others to feel safe, whole and never alone. Love walks beside you every day, to support and play. Love stands behind you so you cannot fall. Love walks in front of you, to encourage you on.

Love is eternal. It has no end, evolving from one form to another, and back, again.

The Love Scripture

For many years now, I have found this scripture to be very much accurate in its depiction of real and genuine, timeless love:

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 New International Version (NIV)

4. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8. Love never fails.

Therefore, it can be said that:

Love is everything.

Love is who we are. It’s the fabric we are woven from.

Love is all there is.

Next Month’s Article & the Series

Next month, I will discuss, “Conditional vs. Unconditional Love.”

In this 11-part series, you will learn about (real) Love and what it means. I will discuss how relationships are the backbone of our existence, how we can utilise them for the unique opportunity to see parts of ourselves needing to be healed, and how loving ourselves is the greatest gift we can give and receive. I will also touch on behaviour patterns such as fear, omissions, trigger buttons and desires tie into our relationships and ultimately the quality of our lives. Lastly, I will then conclude the series with the ‘Top 5 Ways to Truly Love Someone (and Yourself).’

At the end of the 11-part series, you should have a better understanding of the inner workings of your mind, heart and soul. You should also begin to feel more joy, love and fulfilment both in your relationships and your life in general.

About Our Reiki News and Review Columnist – Camille Lucy

Camille Lucy is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, Certified Reiki & Raindrop Technique Practitioner, Ordained Holistic Minister, graphic and web designer, business consultant, and Vice President of a local non-profit that “rehabilitates people through animals.” She is also a writer, a Mother of 3-girls, an artist, a Life-and-Love Junkie, a Self-Expression and Development advocate, and – well, you get the point. She’s a lot of things, just like all of us. Camille is also author of, “The (Real) Love Experiment: Explore Love, Relationships & The Self.”Learn more about her and her adventure(s) at www.CamilleLucy.com or on social media at @LiveFullToday.

Disclaimer: The information published in this column is the author’s professional opinion, and based on their knowledge. This information and opinion are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in any way. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have about any medical condition and consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on InShape News.